My Idea Project

Drop Out Prevention Grant

We are proud announce the development of an exciting new partnership between Beats Rhymes and Life and America’s Promise Alliance. The partnership was made possible through Eugene Whitmore, an Oakland High Senior and member of Beats Rhymes and Life. In Spring of 2010, Eugene teamed up with BRL to apply for “My Idea”, a project by America’s Promise Alliance and AT&T geared at empowering high school-aged young people to examine the dropout crisis and take action to help more of their peers to graduate on time. Eugene was one of thirty-six national grantees and received $10,000 to help build a brand new recording studio for the BRL program at Oakland High School.

This studio is important because it will keep kids motivated and in school. It’s simple, go to class and improve in school and you get studio time. It’s what a lot of teens here at Oakland High need, a reason to be focused.  -Eugene Whitmore, My Idea Project Leader

In November, Eugene was invited to participate in National Drop Out prevention conference in Hersey, Pennsylvania. The three day convening, Building a Grad Nation: Partnerships for Student Success, provided attendees the opportunity to share best practices and innovative strategies for improving high school graduation and college readiness. Over 200 educators, youth development staff, young people, business leaders and civic and faith leaders participated in the conference. The conference organizers took a special interest in Eugene’s project and invite him to present on a youth panel in front of the entire conference. When asked about his plans after high school Eugene replied, “I want to go to college so I can be the teacher I never had.” We very proud of Eugene and his accomplishments, and look forward to him walking the stage this June. He has grown into a strong youth advocate and young leader for BRL, his school and community. We look forward to keeping you up-to-date on the progress with Eugene’s project BRL at Oakland High with video updates directed by youth in the program. Watch our first video update below.